Mangalore fire: House gutted in blaze as investigations under way
Investigators have revealed what caused $400,000 in damages to a home north of Hobart. LATEST >>
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
For the latest, follow The Beat, the Mercury’s live breaking news blog with the latest traffic, police, fire and ambulance news across the state.
House gutted in Mangalore
A house that went up in flames north of Hobart was caused by an electrical fault, investigators have determined.
A Tasmania Fire Service spokesman said crews and seven vehicles from Bagdad, Brighton and Bridgewater brigades attended the blaze on Goodwins Road at Mangalore shortly before 10pm Saturday night.
On arrival, crews found the house to be “fully involved in fire”.
Fire investigators determined the cause to be accidental and likely caused by an electrical fault.
The TFS spokesman said no one was home at the time of the fire, which caused an estimated $400,000 in damage.
It was the third structure fire in as many days in Tasmania, with a 54-year-old man charged with arson after a blaze destroyed a home in Gardenia Road in Risdon Vale on Friday night and a number of shed fires in Clarendon Vale on Saturday afternoon.
Serious motorcycle crash
3.55pm Saturday: A 70-year-old Melbourne man was rushed to hospital after crashing his motorbike during an organised tour.
Tasmania Police advised the man was involved in a serious single vehicle crash on the Tasman Highway at Goshen about midday Saturday, when his motorcycle left the roadway and crashed into an embankment.
The man was treated by ambulance personnel at the scene, which was also attended by police and State Emergency Service members, and he was taken to St Helens, where he was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing.
Shed fires, Clarendon Vale
3.53pm Saturday: Tasmania Fire Service crews from Clarence, Rokeby and Hobart are attending a number of shed fires in Saladin Circle Clarendon Vale.
Authorities say the fires are currently contained and crews would be on scene for some time.
Man charged over alleged arson
A 54-year-old Risdon Vale man has been charged with arson after a home was set alight in the suburb Friday night.
Tasmania Police said emergency services were alerted to a structure fire in Gardenia Road, Risdon Vale about 7.30pm Friday.
That fire was extinguished by the Tasmania Fire Service, with extensive damage caused to
buildings at that property, estimated to be valued more than $400,000, a spokesperson said.
No one was injured in the blaze.
“A subsequent investigation has been conducted by Tasmania Police in collaboration with Tasmania Fire Service investigators, which have determined the fire to be deliberate,” a police statement read.
“A 54-year-old Risdon Vale man has been charged with arson and attempting to light another fire in the area. The man is known to the occupants of the residences and investigators believe this is a targeted attack.
“Bail has been refused by police and the man has been held in custody for a court appearance later today.”
Serious motorbike crash
10am Saturday, January 28: Tasmania Police are on the scene of a single motorbike crash on the Huon Highway, Port Huon, near Sorell Street.
A male has been taken to the RHH with serious injuries.
The road will be open with some temporary delays. Motorists are asked to avoid the area where possible.
Motorists are reminded to abide by the 40km/hr road rule while travelling near emergency service vehicles with emergency equipment activated.
TFS attend house fire in Risdon Vale
Tasmania Fire Services attended the scene of a house fire on Gardenia Road, Risdon Vale on Friday night, January 27.
Crews have arrived to find smoke issuing from the property and are currently working to bring the fire under control.
18yo airlifted to hospital following serious crash
Police and emergency services attended the scene of a serious two car crash in the north of the state, which resulted in an 18-year-old being airlifted to hospital.
The crash occurred on Liena Rd in Mole Creek at about 6pm on Jan 26.
According to police, five people were travelling on the incorrect side of the road in a white Nissan Patrol which collided with a silver Hyundai Accent and hit a power pole.
The 18-year-old driver of the Nissan Patrol is believed to have suffered possible spinal injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a stable condition.
A couple in their 70s who were travelling in the accent were transported to the Launceston General Hospital along with a passenger of the Nissan Patrol with non-life threatening injuries.
All other passengers were treated on the scene.
Inspector Ruth Orr said that Tasmania Police Crash Investigations and Forensic Services attended the scene and Liena Rd was closed for about four hours while investigations were conducted.
“Our officers are on the roads every day and night, but we really need the community to take responsibility for themselves and others and take road safety seriously,” said Inspector Orr.
Police search for missing man
Tasmania Police are calling for information in regard to the whereabouts of a 38-year-old man, Aaron John Radford.
Mr Radford was last seen at Cove Hill Shopping Centre at 8.30am today.
He is believed to be travelling in a red 2006 Holden Rodeo ute with the registration number FP9019.
Mr Radford, is described as a heavy build with bald head.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact 131 444.
Man killed in motorcycle crash
A 48-year-old man has been killed on Thursday, January 26 while riding off-road on his motorcycle at Bakers Beach, east of Latrobe.
Police said the driver had been riding an off-road Husqvarna motorcycle on a forestry trail near Browns Creek Road when he lost control of the bike and collided with a tree.
The motorcyclist was found dead at the scene when emergency services arrived yesterday afternoon.
Police attended the scene along with Ambulance Tasmania and investigations are ongoing.
Serious attack leaves man fighting for his life
Police are continuing their investigations into the serious assault of a man in Shorewell Park earlier this week and are appealing to the public for information.
A 45-year-old Burnie man remains in a critical condition awaiting surgery at the Royal Hobart Hospital as a result of the attack which occurred on January 24 about 3pm.
The man sustained life threatening head injuries.
Police are investigating the incident and wish to speak to anyone who may have seen a male wearing a red shirt and dark trousers in the Woniora Rd or Turner Crescent area of Shorewell between 3 - 4.30pm.
Anyone that may have images of footage of the assault or further information are asked to contact Burnie CIB on 131 444 or Crimestoppers 1800 333 000.
‘Serious concerns’: Interpol involved as sailor goes missing
Emergency services have grave fears for an elderly sailor who departed Hobart bound for New Zealand, but hasn’t been seen since.
80-year-old solo yachtsman Peter Baggenstos, from Switzerland, set sail from Hobart on December 1 on his 13-metre yacht ‘Lady Lay’ bound for New Zealand.
The yacht’s AIS transponder stopped transmitting on December 5 in the Tasman Sea, about 140 km off Tasmania’s East Coast.
It’s understood the weather conditions were poor at this time.
Mr Baggenstos’ family in Switzerland subsequently reported the situation to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, who conducted large scale search operations in the Tasman Sea.
Neither Mr Baggenstos or his yacht were located, and New Zealand authorities reported no record of him entering its jurisdiction.
Mr Baggenstos is described as a very experienced sailor and of good health.
The yacht was fitted with safety equipment including life belts, life raft, GPS unit, EPIRB and AIS transponder.
“Given the circumstances, we have serious concerns for Mr Baggenstos’ welfare,” Sergeant John Delpero of Tasmania Police Missing Persons Unit said.
“Tasmania Police has now assumed management of the investigation which to date has included enquiries with AMSA, interstate and overseas law enforcement agencies, and Mr Baggenstos’ family through Interpol. Enquiries are continuing.”
Anyone with information relating to Mr Baggenstos’ disappearance is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Originally published as Mangalore fire: House gutted in blaze as investigations under way
Mayor says ‘council antics’ are an ‘embarrassment’ at meeting
While Launceston’s mayor called out ‘council antics’ during a seven-hour long meeting, the budget did pass. What is in it for Launceston residents.
Read more
Nobody cares about your wobbly bits, says nude swim veteran
‘Throw away your inhibitions’; Maria has eight Nude Solstice Swims under her belt and says she has no intention of not joining the ‘liberating’ icy cold event on Saturday.
Read more